Ovechkin practices with Russia at Worlds: report

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Ovechkin practices with Russia at Worlds: reportWashington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin practiced with Russia on Wednesday in preparation for the quarterfinals at the 2014 IIHF World Championship, the Washington Post reported.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin practiced with Russia on Wednesday in preparation for the quarterfinals at the 2014 IIHF World Championship, the Washington Post reported.

The newspaper, using reports from Belarus, where the tournament is being played, said Ovechkin did not confirm he would play Thursday against France.

Ovechkin was injured Sunday in a preliminary-round game against Germany. He had an MRI exam on his right knee which did not show ligament damage, and the Capitals released a statement saying he would be completely healthy in time for NHL training camp and the 2014-15 season. The statement did say the injury requires rest.

According to the Post report, Ovechkin did not wear a brace on the knee at practice.

If Russia, which was 7-0 (21 points) in the preliminary round, defeats France, it would next play either Sweden or Belarus on Sunday in the semifinals.

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I don't have a crystal ball. Predicting is a real complicated thing. If we stay healthy, have enough depth and get the good goaltending we think we're going to have, you can go all the way. But a lot of things have to happen. There's going to be a lot of teams that think the same thing. Everyone made deals. We're all are optimistic about where we'll end up.

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